Potomac Surges Into D.c.

November 8, 1985|United Press International

WASHINGTON — Flooding from the raging waters of the Potomac River fell short of predictions in the nation`s capital, but many parts of the city - including upscale Georgetown - were submerged under the murky water.

The swollen waterway, brimming from days of rain and floods upstream, crested at 12 feet at about 6 p.m. EST Thursday, National Weather Service hydrologist Leo Harrison said. Officials had expected the river to rise to 14 feet.

``The water level was a little lower than expected,`` Harrison said. ``We had the same volume of water but the crest was broader than we thought. The crest actually acted quite differently than in previous floods.``

The U.S. Geological Survey said the water reached the third-highest level ever recorded and the highest since Hurricane Agnes in 1972.

The water tumbled over the banks into Georgetown, creeping up the cobblestone streets into parts of the shopping district. Some low-lying streets were under about four feet of water.

Merchants stacked sandbags around their stores to prevent damage and carried merchandise to higher ground. At least one waterfront pub, Chadwick`s, reported brisk business despite being 40 feet from the raging waters.